The government has officially confirmed that it is set to submit Raila Odinga’s bid for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). The announcement, made by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, marks a significant step in the political career of the Azimio leader and underscores Kenya’s strategic maneuvering on the continental stage.
On Saturday, Sing’oei shared a glimpse of the extensive documentation related to Odinga’s application. Captioned “All-Set-Go!,” the post indicated that the government has successfully assembled and finalized the necessary documents for submission. The title of the bundle read, “Candidature of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga for the position of the chairperson of the African Union Commission February 2025,” highlighting the seriousness of Kenya’s bid.
The AUC has mandated that candidates submit their applications in six languages: English, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Kiswahili. Sing’oei’s update featured the English version of the application, with assurances that the government has complied with the multilingual requirement, preparing documents in the other five languages as stipulated by the nomination rules.
This latest development comes after a period of intense speculation and political maneuvering. The government’s commitment to Raila Odinga’s candidacy was questioned amid the recent anti-government protests that rocked the country. However, the swift action to finalize the application and the formation of a joint campaign secretariat signal a renewed determination to back Odinga’s bid.
The joint secretariat, which was established two weeks ago, represents a strategic alliance between Raila Odinga’s campaign team and the government. This collaborative effort, housed at the Railways Building—home to the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Foreign Affairs Ministry—aims to streamline the campaign process and bolster Odinga’s chances for the AUC chairperson position.
President William Ruto’s administration has demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting Odinga’s candidacy. The nomination of some of Odinga’s allies into the Cabinet earlier this month was perceived as a political maneuver aligning with Odinga’s aspirations, further solidifying the government’s support for the bid.
The deadline for submission set by the AUC is August 6, creating a tight timeframe for Kenya to ensure that all application requirements are met. The missed deadline of June 30 was attributed to the disruptions caused by protests, highlighting the challenges faced by the government in navigating the political landscape while preparing a high-stakes bid.
The formation of the joint secretariat is a strategic move aimed at ensuring that Raila Odinga’s application is not only submitted on time but also stands out in the competitive race for the AUC chairperson position. This effort reflects Kenya’s broader ambition to influence continental governance and elevate its role in African diplomacy.
In conclusion, the government’s decisive actions to submit Raila Odinga’s candidacy demonstrate a commitment to advancing Kenya’s interests on the continental stage. As the August 6 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the final submission and the subsequent political developments that could reshape Kenya’s standing within the African Union.
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